A young elephant calf named Zaiya at Blackpool Zoo has been observed learning how to protect herself from the sun and insects by mimicking her mother's behavior. The calf watched as her mother used her trunk to throw sand over her body, a practice known as dusting.
Zaiya was then seen imitating the action, copying her mother by spraying sand onto herself. This behavior serves multiple purposes for elephants. Dusting acts as a natural sunscreen, shielding their sensitive skin from harsh UV rays and preventing sunburn. It also creates a barrier against biting insects, flies, and parasites.
Photographer Alison Allen noted that the elephants were in their sand paddock when the dusting behavior began. She explained that the dry layer of sand helps regulate body temperature, keeping the animals cool under the hot sun, and can also soothe existing insect bites.
Elephants also use dusting to lock in moisture after bathing and to help shed dead skin cells when they rub against trees. Allen added that the adult females in the herd practice alloparenting, sharing care and teaching younger elephants essential skills. Zaiya is learning these behaviors by observing and copying her mother and other adult females in the group.
